mi-Cluster

The Nano/Microelectronics-based Systems and Applications Cluster (mi-Cluster), is the first innovation cluster in Greece; since 2006, it has shown significant development in a number of performance measures. It is largely characterized by an intensive export orientation and the design of innovative products worldwide. Furthermore, mi-Cluster has attracted domestic and foreign investment and has contributed to the employment of highly skilled workforce with positive multiplier effects on entrepreneurship, innovation and the national economy overall.

Today, the mi-Cluster consists of the Industrial Association (HSIA), the Cluster Facilitator (Corallia), and more than 30 industrial members (large enterprises, SMEs, international design centers and start-ups). In addition to its industrial basis, over 50 members currently represent academia and research institutes, the finance sector, national and regional authorities, media, etc. promoting complementarity within the innovation ecosystem.

Mission

mi-Cluster's mission is simple and clear – through systematic and collaborative efforts of all participating members and with the solid guidance of Corallia as the cluster facilitator and the Hellenic Semiconductor Industry Association (HSIA) – to create the ideal environment that will enable sustainable growth for the Hellenic Semiconductor Industry and as a world class cluster, to be recognized as an accountable player in the global market.

Strategic Goals

The primary strategic goals for mi-Cluster that have been issued by Corallia and the Hellenic Semiconductor Industry Association (HSIA) are the following:

The continuous and sustainable growth of the cluster, the cluster members and establishing the industry in the global market.

Supporting and achieving entrepreneurial and R&D excellence as a powerful tool to develop innovative and competitive world class products.

Improving members' productivity and profitability.

Attract domestic and foreign talent to support and boost the industry.

Attract domestic and foreign investment for the industry.

Attract big multinational corporations to outsource and invest or to create design centers in Greece

Continuous training and knowledge growth for the cluster members

Creating economies of scale and scope to the benefit of the cluster members

Governance

The mi-Cluster is managed and executed by the following instruments: the Cluster General Assembly, the Executive Board, the Cluster Facilitator and the Cluster Manager.

The aim of the mi-Cluster Management team is to achieve smooth as well as successful implementation of the Business Plan of the cluster, offering tangible benefits and equal opportunities for development to both existing and new members.

In this context, the General Assembly comprising of all mi-Cluster members, is the supreme governing and decision-making body of the cluster, also assuming the responsibility for the strategic development through the design and implementation of the mi-Cluster Business Plan.

For the successful execution of the Business Plan and the provision of respective strategic guidance for the benefit of all members, the Executive Board undertakes all the necessary actions and consists of 3 members from the cluster facilitator (Corallia) and five industry members through an equal number of representatives and one member representing the academic community.

Furthermore, the Executive Board has delegated the general management, promotion and coordination to the mi-Cluster Manager for effective planning, monitoring and enforcement of overall cluster activity.

In addition to the above instruments, the Executive Board is supported by various Workgroups that have been assigned specific tasks, supervision and monitoring responsibilities in thematic areas of interest with the scope to provide advice and support services to achieve optimal growth of the mi-Cluster.

Cluster Facilitator

Corallia is the first organisation established in Greece for the structured and systematic management and development of innovation clusters, with the strategic aim to develop cohesive and productive innovative ecosystems within which actors operate in a coordinated manner, in specific sectors and regions of the country, and where a competitive advantage and export orientation exists.

Vision

A Greek environment with the right framework conditions to allow sciences, innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish (again).

MissionTo underpin and catalyse the development of cohesive and productive innovation ecosystems, within which actors operate in a coordinated manner, in specific sectors and regions of the country, and where a competitive advantage and export orientation exists.

The Role of the Cluster FacilitatorCorallia acts as a cluster facilitator (cluster initiative or cluster organisation) implementing targeted support actions, which involve all innovation ecosystem actors, including industry, universities, research centres, financial institutions, regional and national authorities, infrastructure providers, suppliers and buyers, media, etc.

Corallia undertakes systematic actions to support the following goals:

Industry Association

The Hellenic Semiconductor Industry Association (HSIA) was launched in 2005 as a non-profit association of high tech industries to represent the dynamic Greek sector of semiconductors, micro & nano electronics and embedded systems. The HSIA vision is to establish the sector as a prominent center of innovation and a dynamic partner within the global electronics industry. HSIA brings together 50 industrial members and over 30 relevant universities and institutes in Greece and abroad. The industrial members range from small start-ups to subsidiaries of multinational corporations, with the majority being rapidly growing SMEs, serving parts of the semiconductor-microelectronics supply chain. Several members are either VC-funded or corporate-backed by companies with an international presence. The products and services of HSIA members vary from design to IP licensing, to embedded and EDA software to manufacturing. HSIA customers represent markets such as mobile communications, multimedia, defense, home & office appliances and consumer electronics. HSIA is a proud member of the European Semiconductor Industry Alliance (ESIA).

Profile of Members

The Nano/Microelectronics-based Systems and Applications Cluster (mi-Cluster), consists of the Industrial Association (HSIA). In addition to its industrial basis, members of the mi-cluster are academia and research institutes, the finance sector, national and regional authorities, media, etc.